Target species of Tasmanian scalefish fisheries (TSF) remain difficult to assess and manage due to the wide range of species (> 20 species) and variety of both commercial and recreational fisheries methods. TSF are currently assessed using commercial catch and effort data as well as age and length information. However, some key TSF species landings are increasingly greater in the recreational sector, with a comparatively low commercial catch. Therefore, due to the absence of regular and robust CPUE data, innovative fishery independent data collection programs are required to routinely monitor TSF species and provide adequate data for stock assessment models. This project will review and collate data from previous studies to design and test strategic and cost-effective novel fishery-independent survey methods that collect population dynamics data for a suite of key scalefish fisheries species, across both environmental and fishing intensity gradients in Tasmania. Outcomes will improve stock assessment methods by providing new and additional data for data-poor and undefined species, and, if proven cost-effective, establish an ongoing, long-term fishery-independent monitoring program to enhance the sustainability of TSF. We will collate historical data on Tasmanian scalefish abundance, biomass, distribution, and length-frequencies collected in previous research projects and collect and compare new data to fill current knowledge gaps about localised population depletion and population dynamics across different habitats. Many of the popular commercial and recreational scalefish fisheries are increasingly of concern, with southern sand flathead, southern garfish, and bastard and striped trumpeters all assessed as depleted in the most recent (2020/21) Tasmanian stock assessment (Fraser et al 2022), while others (such as flounder - Pleuronectidae family, longsnout boarfish, and barracouta) were assessed as undefined due to lack of available data for these species. Our results will better inform data-poor stock assessment approaches and will have implications for fisheries managers making critical management decisions for depleted, depleting, and undefined Tasmanian scalefish fisheries species.

This project provides the resources for ASSA to lead the NHN Program to help grow the Australian seaweed industry over the next 2 years (until 31 March 2025) which is the stipulated grant duration.

The FRDC project will provide the funding for ASSA to engage key program and technical capability to manage and deliver the activities required to conduct the following key activities:
- Finalise assessment of research partners and inform development of contracts between FRDC and research partners
- establish people and technical R&D capability relating to seaweed, especially Asparagopsis
- conduct due diligence and develop agreements with intellectual property holders of existing Asparagopsis hatchery techniques
- further develop hatchery and breeding techniques and technology
- production of hatchery protocols and manuals
- training and knowledge sharing activities
- undertake necessary governance, finance, HR, communications and stakeholder engagement activities associated with the national hatchery network